The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success

MTNA Business Digest, Volume 4, Issue 3 | April 2025 | Heather Smith, NCTM | The Gap and The Gain and Its Relevance to Music Education
Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:50:33 -0800

I recently read &lt;em&gt;The Gap and The Gain&lt;/em&gt;, by authors Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. In this book, they introduce a powerful mindset shift that can transform the way we measure success in any aspect of life. They argue that people tend to focus on the gap between where they are and their ideal. This comparison trap often leads to frustration and unhappiness. Instead, they advocate focusing on the gain, measuring how far one has come rather than how far there is to go. “Always measure backwards” is a principle that has profound implications for music educators, studio owners and performers alike. By shifting our perspective from what is lacking to what has been achieved, we can foster greater motivation, resilience and long-term success.